RGDATA urges local newspapers and shops to work together
RGDATA director general, Tara Buckley, has urged local newspapers and shops to build on common ground to tackle competition while speaking at the 2013 Local Newspapers symposium
15 October 2013
RGDATA director general Tara Buckley told the 2013 Local Newspapers symposium that the strong community roots shared by local newspapers and local independent shops can help them compete against bigger players in both markets.
"Ireland’s local newspapers and local independent shops share many traits," Buckley said. "They are both local family owned businesses with strong roots in their communities, striving to compete with some of the biggest players in the world during challenging times. Local newspapers and local shopkeepers should work together to promote vibrant towns and villages, supporting local and buying Irish."
She told the audience local shops were prepared to work with local newspapers on special bundle deals to drive sales.
It is also believed that local newspapers can hold an integral role assisting local town centre traders who are trying to regenerate and revitalize ailing town centres. Buckley suggested that this could include printing vouchers in the local newspaper so that people will purchase the newspaper for and spend money in the town shops.
When discussing the challenges some RGDATA members face with social media and online competition, Buckley said a new, young generation of retailers are coming to the fore. This new generation is full of enthusiasm, ideas and are prepared to work hard to ensure that their family shops survive and thrive.
The 2013 Local Newspapers symposium was hosted jointly by National Newspapers of Ireland Local and Regional and the Regional Newspapers and Printers’ Association of Ireland and was the centrepiece of Local Newspaper Week.
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